Description
CARP RODS
Progressive Action. Pure Fishing Pleasure.
The ever-popular ‘S’ Range carp rods have, in many anglers’ eyes, become genuine classics. Although they’ve been with us for a number of years, they still hold a dedicated following because the action simply does what it should—smooth, progressive and confidence-inspiring—whether you’re casting, playing fish under the tip, or leaning into a bigger lead at range.
Unlike many companies, we take great pains to create the best rods we can before launch, rather than releasing a model and then constantly changing it year after year. We only evolve a range when there’s a truly meaningful step forward in materials or performance—and because the more progressive action of these blanks remains very much in demand, the ‘S’ Range will continue to be available.
In a world increasingly obsessed with heavy test curves and super-stiff rods, the ‘S’ Range brings back something many anglers miss—the simple pleasure of playing fish. The progressive curve loads smoothly and stays connected, turning lunges into controlled pressure rather than jolts. That cushioning inspires confidence, even when fishing lighter lines, helping to prevent hook pulls and reduce the risk of line breakage. It also takes the edge off modern braided mainlines, making them feel far less harsh and ultimately more pleasurable to use.
The blanks are produced from low-resin Japanese 36t carbon, finished with an attractive 3k weave running right to the tip. They also feature our Perdurable finish—meaning no paint or lacquer is applied after precision grinding, so you can admire the quality of the material for years to come, while also benefiting from a finish that won’t chip or flake in the way painted blanks can. As standard, they are fitted with a Clone 3k reel seat and ‘S’-Lite guides with a subtle gun-smoke frame colour. The rods shown in the table are supplied with abbreviated handles, finished with a combination of EVA and shrink rubber butt grip, completed with stainless steel collars and butt cap for dependable long-term use.
Every ‘S’ Range rod is hand-built in the UK, and can be built to virtually any preferred specification—whether that’s the Abbreviated style shown here, or Full Cork, Full EVA, or Full Shrink.
Amongst the most popular models are the 12’ 2¾lb and 12’ 3¼lb, both offering that classic progressive ‘S’ Range feel while covering the heart of modern carp fishing—from balanced all-round work right through to heavier leads, bags and more demanding venues. At the other end of the scale, the lighter 2lb and 2¼lb rods make superb all-round specimen tools—perfect when you want a softer actioned carp rod, yet equally at home for tench and bream fishing where that forgiving curve really comes into its own.
36T
Low-Resin Japanese Carbon.
Progressive
Smooth Loading. Total Control.
Key Features
Built from low-resin 36t Japanese carbon with a classic 3k weave and Perdurable finish, delivering smooth progressive loading, cushioning control and timeless carp performance.
Classic progressive action that restores the pleasure of playing fish in a world of super-stiff rods
Excellent cushioning—ideal for lighter lines and reducing hook pulls/line breakage
Softer progressive actions make braided mainlines feel less harsh and more enjoyable in use
Low-resin Japanese 36t carbon blanks with a 3k weave to the tip
Perdurable finish: precision-ground blank with no paint or lacquer, for long-term durability and a finish that won’t chip or flake
Hand built in the UK, with the option to build to specification
Can be supplied as Abbreviated, Full Cork, Full EVA or Full Shrink
Clone 3k reel seat as standard
‘S’-Lite guides with gun-smoke frames
Abbreviated handle with EVA + shrink rubber butt grip (as shown)
Stainless steel collars and butt cap for long-term durability
Builds
Alongside our full custom service, we aim to keep stock builds in an array of guide options, and we stock a vast array of components to bring genuine individual character to each rod. We hold large stocks of these components and also keep additional parts in stock such as the most popular ALPS reel seats, so both stock builds and bespoke projects can be delivered with the finish you want.
We build Hi-‘S’ in several established formats—classic, modern and ultra-modern—without losing the Hi-‘S’ feel.
Stock build options
Original S-Lite
Reel Seat & Hoods:
Clone seat with Fuji Natural Silver hoods, 1k match finish, integrated isotope slot.
Guides:
Gun smoke ceramic-lined S-Lite guides.
Tip:
Kigan anti-frap tip ring.
Hardware:
Stainless steel butt cap and collars.
Character:
Classic Hi-‘S’ feel – crisp, refined, and built for long-term durability.
Full Black
Reel Seat & Hoods:
Clone seat fitted with black hoods.
Guides:
Black framed S-Lite guides.
Tip:
Kigan anti-frap tip ring.
Hardware:
Black Acetal butt cap and collars.
Character:
Clean, modern and understated with a stealthy overall appearance.
Black + Seaguide TDG
Reel Seat & Hoods:
Clone seat with black hoods.
Guides:
Seaguide TDG guides with Adaman coating and stainless steel liners.
Tip:
Kigan anti-frap tip ring.
Hardware:
Black Acetal butt cap and collars.
Character:
Lighter in hand with a sharp, contemporary look and feel.
Black + Ti-Forged Air
Reel Seat & Hoods:
Clone seat with black hoods.
Guides:
American Tackle Ti-Forged Air guides, forward-facing configuration.
Tip:
Kigan anti-frap tip ring.
Hardware:
Black Acetal butt cap and collars.
Character:
Ultra-modern, distinctive, and progressive with a premium performance edge.
Handle notes:
For Full Cork and Full EVA builds, grips are specially tapered to suit individual blanks so the fit is exact—avoiding ‘hollow spots’ under the handle. We also keep a selection of Full Shrink for those wanting a more minimalist, harder-wearing full handle.
Recommendations
Soft-action specimen all-rounders (carp, tench and bream):
CS 12’ 2lb (RCS238) and KS 12’ 2¼lb (RKS238) are perfect when you want a forgiving curve and a rod that protects lighter lines.
Smaller waters, confined swims and pure sport:
TS 11’ 2¾lb (RTS102) is a brilliant choice for carp of all sizes—also perfect for boat work, and for casting where space is limited.
Balanced mainstream choice (most popular):
ES 12’ 2¾lb (RES151) offers a versatile blend of casting control and fish-playing confidence.
Heavier leads, solid bags and extra control (most popular):
XS 12’ 3¼lb (RXS154) delivers more power through the butt section while retaining the smooth ‘S’ Range character.
Big pit reels, leaders and improved line flow:
Choose XS 12’ 3¼lb – 50mm (RXS154-50) when you want the benefits of a 50mm butt guide.
Maximum power in the range:
XS’ive 12’ 3½lb – 50mm (RXSV223-50) is the choice for tougher venues, bigger payloads and anglers who like to hit a cast hard.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight note: Blank and rod weights may vary slightly from those quoted. We use stainless steel collars and butt caps for durability, which will add a little to the rod’s overall weight, but being on the handle should not adversely affect its balance.






